Bhubaneswar and Faridabad are stepping up efforts to promote electric vehicle (EV) travel with new charging infrastructure, part of India’s commitment to enhancing green transportation.
According to the Times of India, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified 25 locations for EV charging points across the city, aiming to make at least 10 operational before the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, scheduled for January 8 to 10. By integrating these charging points, Bhubaneswar is set to boast 100 stations throughout the state, increasing accessibility for electric buses, autorickshaws, and personal vehicles alike.
Amitav Thakur, the transport commissioner, stated, "After including 25 EV charging points in Bhubaneswar, there will be altogether 100 charging stations across the state. The charging stations will be meant to promote EV travel." This initiative is part of Bhubaneswar’s broader transformation since being named the number one smart city in India back in 2016, which has seen advancements from traffic management to pollution reduction.
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) supports transportation needs not only within Bhubaneswar but also connects to Cuttack and the pilgrim town of Puri. Currently, CRUT operates 50 electric buses and battery-powered autorickshaws, facilitating last-mile connectivity. An officer said, "Before Pravasi Divas, we want to present the city in its best terms with all modern amenities." This strategy aligns with the city's goals of promoting sustainable transport solutions.
Simultaneously, the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) is making efforts to roll out 25 EV charging stations next month as part of its green infrastructure initiative, with plans to expand this total to 50 across the city. MCF entered a memorandum of agreement with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)—a consortium backed by the Union Ministry of Power—to oversee this installation. MCF will provide land for the stations, and EESL will handle maintenance and operation.
Strategically located at MCF offices, government buildings, market complexes, and public parking areas, this initiative aims to address the increasing demand for EVs, particularly within the heavily populated National Capital Region (NCR), where air pollution concerns are raising alarms. According to MCF officials, "The infrastructure is expected to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the region, especially the National Capital Region (NCR)."
Despite some delays attributed to electoral processes and adherence to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), MCF Chief Engineer Birender Kardam has confirmed the completion of necessary formalities to kickstart the work. This setup will convert alternating current (AC) from the grid to direct current (DC) suitable for vehicle batteries, complete with adequate safety equipment and modern payment systems.
The deployment of these chargers is expected to directly contribute to reducing transport emissions and encouraging EV adoption among residents. With land requirements for each station ranging from 100 to 150 square meters, MCF plans to accommodate multiple vehicles at each site to maximize service availability.
Interestingly, Bharat's efforts mirror a growing global trend where nations are pivoting toward electric mobility as part of their climate action strategies. Enhanced EV infrastructure is not just about providing charging stations but serves as the backbone of more extensive initiatives aimed at curbing urban air pollution.
This drive for green transportation is poised to redefine urban transport landscapes, providing existing residents with improved commuting options and enticing potential buyers toward environmentally friendly vehicles. Long-term, initiatives like these could pave the way for India's cities to achieve greener mobility goals and align with global sustainability practices.
Without question, both Bhubaneswar and Faridabad are taking significant strides to become flagships of electric mobility, possibly influencing other cities as they seem to seek similar measures to combat pollution and promote sustainability.
